The strategies of DNA immobilization and hybridization detection mechanism in the construction of electrochemical DNA sensor: A review

Zeolite-iron oxide integrated interdigitated electrode sensor for diagnosing cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is caused by changes in the cervix that lead to precancerous cells and eventually progress to cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the primary cause of cervical cancer. Early detection of HPV is crucial in preventing cervical cancer, and regular screening for HPV infection can identify cell changes before they develop into cancer. While Pap smear tests are reliable for cervical cancer screening, they are critical, expensive, and labor-intensive. Therefore, researchers are focusing on identifying blood-based biomarkers using biosensors for cervical cancer screening. HPV strains 16, 45, and 18 are common culprits in cervical cancer. This study aimed to develop an HPV-16 DNA biosensor on a zeolite-iron oxide (zeolite-IO) modified interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor. The DNA probe was immobilized on the IDE through amine-modified zeolite-IO, enhancing the hybridization of the target and DNA probe. The detection limit of the DNA-DNA duplex was found to be 7.5 pM with an R2 value of 0.9868. Additionally, control experiments with single and triple mismatched sequences showed no increase in current responses, and the identification of target DNA in a serum-spiked sample indicated specific and selective target identification.

Nucleic acid-based electrochemical biosensors

Colorectal cancer, breast cancer, oxidative DNA damage, and viral infections are all significant and major health threats to human health, presenting substantial challenges in early diagnosis. In this regard, a wide range of nucleic acid-based electrochemical platforms have been widely employed as point-of-care diagnostics in health care and biosensing technologies. This review focuses on biosensor design strategies, underlying principles involved in the development of advanced electrochemical genosensing devices, approaches for immobilizing DNA on electrode surfaces, as well as their utility in early disease diagnosis, with a particular emphasis on cancer, leukaemia, oxidative DNA damage, and viral pathogen detection. Notably, the role of biorecognition elements and nanointerfaces employed in the design and development of advanced electrochemical genosensors for recognizing biomarkers related to colorectal cancer, breast cancer, leukaemia, oxidative DNA damage, and viral pathogens has been extensively reviewed. Finally, challenges associated with the fabrication of nucleic acid-based biosensors to achieve high sensitivity, selectivity, a wide detection range, and a low detection limit have been addressed. We believe that this review will provide valuable information for scientists and bioengineers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the fabrication and functionality of nucleic acid-based electrochemical biosensors for biomedical diagnostic applications.

Multiplexed electrochemical nucleic acid sensor based on visible light-mediated metal-free thiol-yne click reaction for simultaneous detection of different nucleic acid targets

Simultaneous detection of multiple tumor biomarkers with a simple and low-cost assay is crucial for early cancer detection and diagnosis. Herein, we presented a low-cost and simple assay for multiplexed detection of tumor biomarkers using a spatially separated electrodes strategy. The sensor is fabricated based on a metal-free thiol-yne click reaction, which is mediated by visible light, on commercially available indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Four biomarkers, including p53 DNA, Brca2 DNA, K-ras DNA, and MicroRNA-204 RNA, were used as model analytes, and the corresponding oligonucleotide probes were modified on the desired electrode units sequentially with 530 nm irradiation light in the presence of photosensitizer Eosin Y. By this visible light-mediated coupling reaction, oligonucleotide probe densities of up to 9.2 ± 0.7 × 1010 molecules/cm2 were readily obtained on the ITO electrode surface. The proposed multiplexed E-NA sensor could detect four different nucleic acid targets concurrently without crosstalk among adjacent electrodes and was also successfully applied for detecting targets in a 20% fetal calf serum sample. The detection limits for p53 DNA, Brca2 DNA, K-ras DNA, and MicroRNA-204 RNA were 0.72 nM, 0.97 nM, 2.15 nM, and 1.73 nM, respectively. The developed approach not only has a great potential for developing cost-effective biosensors on affordable substrates for nucleic acid target detection, but also be easily extended to detect other targets by modifying the specific oligonucleotide probes anchored on the electrode.

Development of label-free electrochemical OMP-DNA probe biosensor as a highly sensitive system to detect of citrus huanglongbing

The fabrication of the first label-free electrochemical DNA probe biosensor for highly sensitive detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), as the causal agent of citrus huanglongbing disease, is conducted here. An OMP probe was designed based on the hybridization with its target-specific sequence in the outer membrane protein (OMP) gene of CLas. The characterization of the steps of biosensor fabrication and hybridization process between the immobilized OMP-DNA probe and the target ssDNA oligonucleotides (OMP-complementary and three mismatches OMP or OMP-mutation) was monitored using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy based on increasing or decreasing in the electron transfer in [Fe (CN)6]3-/4- on the modified gold electrode surface. The biosensor sensitivity indicated that the peak currents were linear over ranges from 20 to 100 nM for OMP-complementary with the detection limit of 0.026 nM (S/N = 3). The absence of any cross-interference with other biological DNA sequences confirmed a high selectivity of fabricated biosensor. Likewise, it showed good specificity in discriminating the mutation oligonucleotides from complementary target DNAs. The functional performance of optimized biosensor was achieved via the hybridization of OMP-DNA probe with extracted DNA from citrus plant infected with CLas. Therefore, fabricated biosensor indicates promise for sensitivity and early detection of citrus huanglongbing disease.

Strategy, Design, and Fabrication of Electrochemical Biosensors: A Tutorial

Advanced healthcare requires novel technologies capable of real-time sensing to monitor acute and long-term health. The challenge relies on converting a real-time quantitative biological and chemical signal into a desired measurable output. Given the success in detecting glucose and the commercialization of glucometers, electrochemical biosensors continue to be a mainstay of academic and industrial research activities. Despite the wealth of literature on electrochemical biosensors, reports are often specific to a particular application (e.g., pathogens, cancer markers, glucose, etc.), and most fail to convey the underlying strategy and design, and if it is transferable to detection of a different analyte. Here we present a tutorial review for those entering this research area that summarizes the basic electrochemical techniques utilized as well as discusses the designs and optimization strategies employed to improve sensitivity and maximize signal output.

Designing a Simple Electrochemical Genosensor for the Detection of Urinary PCA3, a Prostate Cancer Biomarker

This study investigates the feasibility of a simple electrochemical detection of Prostate Cancer Antigen 3 (PCA3) fragments extracted from patients' urine, using a thiolated single-strand DNA probe immobilized on a gold surface without using a redox probe. To enhance the PCA3 recognition process, we conducted a comparative analysis of the hybridization location using two thiolated DNA probes: Probe 1 targets the first 40 bases, while Probe 2 targets the fragment from bases 47 to 86. Hybridization with PCA3 followed, using square wave voltammetry. The limit of detection of the designed genosenors were of the order of (2.2 ng/mL), and (1.6 ng/mL) for Probes 1 and 2, respectively, and the subsequent sensitivities were of the order of (0.09 ± 0.01) µA-1 · µg-1 · mL and (0.10 ± 0.01) µA-1 · µg-1 · mL. Specificity tests were then conducted with the sensor functionalized with Probe 2, as it presents better analytical performances. The electrochemical results indicate that the designed sensor can clearly discriminate a complementary target from a non-complementary one. A further modeling of the calibration curves with the Power Law/Hill model indicates that the dissociation constant increases by one order of magnitude, confirming the ability of the designed sensor to perfectly discriminate complementary targets from non-complementary ones.

Improving electrochemical hybridization assays with restriction enzymes

Nucleic acids in blood are early indicators of disease that could be detected by point-of-care biosensors if sufficiently sensitive and facile sensors existed. Electrochemical hybridization assays are sensitive and specific but are limited to very short nucleic acids. We have developed a restriction enzyme-assisted electrochemical hybridization (REH) assay for improved nucleic acid detection. By incorporating target-specific restriction enzymes, we detect long nucleic acids, with performance dependent on the location of the cut site relative to the electrode surface. Thus, we have further established guidelines for REH design to serve as a generalizable platform for robust electrochemical detection of long nucleic acids.

DNA Sensor for the Detection of Brucella spp. Based on Magnetic Nanoparticle Markers

Due to the limitations of conventional Brucella detection methods, including safety concerns, long incubation times, and limited specificity, the development of a rapid, selective, and accurate technique for the early detection of Brucella in livestock animals is crucial to prevent the spread of the associated disease. In the present study, we introduce a magnetic nanoparticle marker-based biosensor using frequency mixing magnetic detection for point-of-care testing and quantification of Brucella DNA. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles were used as magnetically measured markers to selectively detect the target DNA hybridized with its complementary capture probes immobilized on a porous polyethylene filter. Experimental conditions like density and length of the probes, hybridization time and temperature, and magnetic binding specificity, sensitivity, and detection limit were investigated and optimized. Our sensor demonstrated a relatively fast detection time of approximately 10 min, with a detection limit of 55 copies (0.09 fM) when tested using DNA amplified from Brucella genetic material. In addition, the detection specificity was examined using gDNA from Brucella and other zoonotic bacteria that may coexist in the same niche, confirming the method's selectivity for Brucella DNA. Our proposed biosensor has the potential to be used for the early detection of Brucella bacteria in the field and can contribute to disease control measures.

Aptasensors: employing molecular probes for precise medical diagnostics and drug monitoring

Accurate detection and monitoring of therapeutic drug levels are vital for effective patient care and treatment management. Aptamers, composed of single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules, are integral components of biosensors designed for both qualitative and quantitative detection of biological samples. Aptasensors play crucial roles in target identification, validation, detection of drug-target interactions and screening potential of drug candidates. This review focuses on the pivotal role of aptasensors in early disease detection, particularly in identifying biomarkers associated with various diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases and cardiovascular disorders. Aptasensors have demonstrated exceptional potential in enhancing disease diagnostics and monitoring therapeutic drug levels. Aptamer-based biosensors represent a transformative technology in the field of healthcare, enabling precise diagnostics, drug monitoring and disease detection.

Biomarkers and biosensors for early cancer diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis

Cancers continue to be of major concern due to their serious global socioeconomic impact, apart from the continued increase in the incidence of various cancer types. A major challenge that this disease poses is due to the low "early detection" rates which limit the therapeutic outcomes for the affected individuals. Current research has highlighted the discovering biomarkers that help in early cancer detection and the development of technologies for the detection and quantification of such biomarkers. Biomarkers range from proteins to nucleic acids, and can be specific to a particular cancer type. Detection and quantification of such biomarkers at low levels from biological samples is being made possible by the advent of developing biosensors and by using biomedical engineering technologies such as tumor-on-a-chip models. Here, we present biomarkers that can be helpful for the early detection of breast, colorectal, esophageal, lung, liver, ovarian, and prostate cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential of circulating tumor cell DNA (ctDNA) as an early diagnostic marker. Finally, biosensors available for the detection of cancer biomarkers, which is a recent advancement in this area of research, are discussed.

Enhancing the Activity of Surface Immobilized Antimicrobial Peptides Using Thiol-Mediated Tethering to Poly(ethylene glycol)

Considering the need for versatile surface coatings that can display multiple bioactive signals and chemistries, the use of more novel surface modification methods is starting to emerge. Thiol-mediated conjugation of biomolecules is shown to be quite advantageous for such purposes due to the reactivity and chemoselectivity of thiol functional groups. Herein, the immobilization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to silica colloidal particles based on thiol-mediated conjugation techniques, along with an assessment of the antimicrobial potential of the functionalized particles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus is investigated. Immobilization of PEG to thiolated Si particles is performed by either a two-step thiol-ene "photo-click" reaction or a "one-pot" thiol-maleimide type conjugation using terminal acrylate or maleimide functional groups, respectively. It is demonstrated that both immobilization methods result in a significant reduction in the number of viable bacterial cells compared to unmodified samples after the designated incubation periods with the PEG-AMP-modified colloidal suspensions. These findings provide a promising outlook for the fabrication of multifunctional surfaces based upon the tethering of PEG and AMPs to colloidal particles through thiol-mediated biocompatible chemistry, which has potential for use as implant coatings or as antibacterial formulations that can be incorporated into wound dressings to prevent or control bacterial infections.

Electrochemical capillary-driven microfluidic DNA sensor for HIV-1 and HCV coinfection analysis

Electrochemical DNA sensors can be operated in either static or flow-based detection schemes. In static schemes, manual washing steps are still necessary, resulting in a tedious and time-consuming process. In contrast, in flow-based electrochemical sensors, the current response is collected when the solution flows through the electrode continuously. However, the drawback of such a flow system is the low sensitivity due to the limited time for the interaction between the capturing element and the target. Herein, we propose a novel electrochemical capillary-driven microfluidic DNA sensor to combine the advantages of static and flow-based electrochemical detection systems into a single device by incorporating burst valve technology. The microfluidic device with a two-electrode configuration was applied for the simultaneous detection of two different DNA markers, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cDNA, via the specific interaction between pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acids (PNA) probes and the DNA target. The integrated system, while requiring a small sample volume (7 μL for each sample loading port) and less analysis time, achieved good performance in terms of the limits of detection (LOD) (3SD_blank/slope) and quantification (LOQ) (10SD_blank/slope) at 1.45 nM and 4.79 nM for HIV and 1.20 nM and 3.96 nM for HCV, respectively. The simultaneous detection of HIV-1 and HCV cDNA prepared from human blood samples showed results that are in complete agreement with the RT‒PCR assay. The results qualify this platform as a promising alternative for the analysis of either HIV-1/HCV or coinfection that can be easily adapted for other clinically important nucleic acid-based markers.

Strategies in the optimization of DNA hybridization conditions and its role in electrochemical detection of dengue virus (DENV) using response surface methodology (RSM)

In recent years, limited research has been conducted on enhancing DNA hybridization-based biosensor approaches using statistical models. This study explores the application of response surface methodology (RSM) to improve the performance of a DNA hybridization biosensor for dengue virus (DENV) detection. The biosensor is based on silicon nanowires decorated with gold nanoparticles (SiNWs/AuNPs) and utilizes methylene blue as a redox indicator. The DNA hybridization process between the immobilized DNA probe and the target DENV gene was monitored using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) based on the reduction of methylene blue. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to confirm successful DNA hybridization events on the modified screen-printed gold electrode (SPGE) surface. Several parameters, including pH buffer, NaCl concentration, temperature, and hybridization time, were simultaneously optimized, with NaCl concentration having the most significant impact on DNA hybridization events. This study enhances the understanding of the role of each parameter in influencing DNA hybridization detection in electrochemical biosensors. The optimized biosensor demonstrated the ability to detect complementary oligonucleotide and amplified DENV gene concentrations as low as 0.0891 ng µL^-1 (10 pM) and 2.8 ng µL^-1, respectively. The developed biosensor shows promise for rapid clinical diagnosis of dengue virus infection.

Miniaturized Rapid Electrochemical Immunosensor Based on Screen Printed Carbon Electrodes for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Detection

In 2019, over 21% of an estimated 10 million new tuberculosis (TB) patients were either not diagnosed at all or diagnosed without being reported to public health authorities. It is therefore critical to develop newer and more rapid and effective point-of-care diagnostic tools to combat the global TB epidemic. PCR-based diagnostic methods such as Xpert MTB/RIF are quicker than conventional techniques, but their applicability is restricted by the need for specialized laboratory equipment and the substantial cost of scaling-up in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of TB is high. Meanwhile, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) amplifies nucleic acids under isothermal conditions with a high efficiency, helps in the early detection and identification of infectious diseases, and can be performed without the need for sophisticated thermocycling equipment. In the present study, the LAMP assay was integrated with screen-printed carbon electrodes and a commercial potentiostat for real time cyclic voltammetry analysis (named as the LAMP-Electrochemical (EC) assay). The LAMP-EC assay was found to be highly specific to TB-causing bacteria and capable of detecting even a single copy of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) IS6110 DNA sequence. Overall, the LAMP-EC test developed and evaluated in the present study shows promise to become a cost-effective tool for rapid and effective diagnosis of TB.

SARS-CoV-2 detection enabled by a portable and label-free photoelectrochemical genosensor using graphitic carbon nitride and gold nanoparticles

Fast, sensitive, simple, and cheap sensors are highly desirable to be applied in the health system because they improve point-of-care diagnostics, which can reduce the number of cases of infection or even deaths. In this context, here we report the development of a label-free genosensor using a screen-printed electrode modified with 2D-carbonylated graphitic carbon nitride (c-g-C₃N₄), poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA), and glutathione-protected gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection of SARS-CoV-2. We also made use of Arduino and 3D printing to miniaturize the sensor device. The electrode surface was characterized by AFM and SEM techniques, and the gold nanoparticles by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. For SARS-CoV-2 detection, capture probe DNA was immobilized on the electrode surface. The hybridization of the final genosensor was tested with a synthetic single-strand DNA target and with natural saliva samples using the photoelectrochemistry method. The device presented a linear range from 1 to 10,000 fmol L⁻¹ and a limit of detection of 2.2 and 3.4 fmol L⁻¹ using cpDNA 1A and 3A respectively. The sensibility and accuracy found for the genosensor using cpDNA 1A using biological samples were 93.3 and 80% respectively, indicating the potential of the label-free and portable genosensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva samples.

Functional Nanomaterials Enhancing Electrochemical Biosensors as Smart Tools for Detecting Infectious Viral Diseases

Electrochemical biosensors are known as analytical tools, guaranteeing rapid and on-site results in medical diagnostics, food safety, environmental protection, and life sciences research. Current research focuses on developing sensors for specific targets and addresses challenges to be solved before their commercialization. These challenges typically include the lowering of the limit of detection, the widening of the linear concentration range, the analysis of real samples in a real environment and the comparison with a standard validation method. Nowadays, functional nanomaterials are designed and applied in electrochemical biosensing to support all these challenges. This review will address the integration of functional nanomaterials in the development of electrochemical biosensors for the rapid diagnosis of viral infections, such as COVID-19, middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and dengue, among others. The role and relevance of the nanomaterial, the type of biosensor, and the electrochemical technique adopted will be discussed. Finally, the critical issues in applying laboratory research to the analysis of real samples, future perspectives, and commercialization aspects of electrochemical biosensors for virus detection will be analyzed.

microRNA Detection via Nanostructured Biochips for Early Cancer Diagnostics

MicroRNA (miRNA) are constituted of approximately 22 nucleotides and play an important role in the regulation of many physiological functions and diseases. In the last 10 years, an increasing interest has been recorded in studying the expression profile of miRNAs in cancer. Real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), microarrays, and small RNA sequencing represent the gold standard techniques used in the last 30 years as detection methods. The advent of nanotechnology has allowed the fabrication of nanostructured biosensors which are widely exploited in the diagnostic field. Nanostructured biosensors offer many advantages: (i) their small size allows the construction of portable, wearable, and low-cost products; (ii) the large surface-volume ratio enables the loading of a great number of biorecognition elements (e.g., probes, receptors); and (iii) direct contact of the recognition element with the analyte increases the sensitivity and specificity inducing low limits of detection (LOD). In this review, the role of nanostructured biosensors in miRNA detection is explored, focusing on electrochemical and optical sensing. In particular, four types of nanomaterials (metallic nanoparticles, graphene oxide, quantum dots, and nanostructured polymers) are reported for both detection strategies with the aim to show their distinct properties and applications.

Modern Electrochemical Biosensing Based on Nucleic Acids and Carbon Nanomaterials

To meet the requirements of novel therapies, effective treatments should be supported by diagnostic tools characterized by appropriate analytical and working parameters. These are, in particular, fast and reliable responses that are proportional to analyte concentration, with low detection limits, high selectivity, cost-efficient construction, and portability, allowing for the development of point-of-care devices. Biosensors using nucleic acids as receptors has turned out to be an effective approach for meeting the abovementioned requirements. Careful design of the receptor layers will allow them to obtain DNA biosensors that are dedicated to almost any analyte, including ions, low and high molecular weight compounds, nucleic acids, proteins, and even whole cells. The impulse for the application of carbon nanomaterials in electrochemical DNA biosensors is rooted in the possibility to further influence their analytical parameters and adjust them to the chosen analysis. Such nanomaterials enable the lowering of the detection limit, the extension of the biosensor linear response, or the increase in selectivity. This is possible thanks to their high conductivity, large surface-to-area ratio, ease of chemical modification, and introduction of other nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, into the carbon structures. This review discusses the recent advances on the design and application of carbon nanomaterials in electrochemical DNA biosensors that are dedicated especially to modern medical diagnostics.

Sensitive and selective DNA detecting electrochemical sensor via double cleaving CRISPR Cas12a and dual polymerization on hyperbranched rolling circle amplification

Electrochemical sensors are widely used for nucleic acid detection. However, they exhibit low sensitivity and specificity. To overcome these limitations, DNA amplification method is necessary. In this study, we introduced CRISPR (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) Cas12a-dependent hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HRCA) into an electrochemical sensor platform. By resolving the existing false-positive issue of HRCA, CRISPR Cas12a determines the real positive amplification that able to enhance its sensitivity for extremely low concentrations of nucleic acids and specificity for single-point mutations. In detail, CRISPR Cas12a, which activates the nucleic acid amplification reaction, was used for both trans and cis cleavage for the first time. Finally, selectively amplified DNA was detected using a screen-printed electrode. Using the change in surface coverage by DNA, the electrochemical sensor detected a decrease in the redox signal. In summary, combining a novel DNA amplification method and electrochemical sensor platform, our proposed method compensates for the shortcomings of existing RCA and hyperbranched RCA, secures a high sensitivity of 10 aM, and overcomes false-positivity problems. Moreover, such creative applications of CRISPR Cas12a may lead to the expansion of its applications to other nucleic acid amplification methods.

A label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor used a printed circuit board gold electrode (PCBGE) to detect SARS-CoV-2 without amplification

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) motivates continuous efforts to develop robust and accurate diagnostic tests to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Detection of viral nucleic acids provides the highest sensitivity and selectivity for diagnosing early and asymptomatic infection because the human immune system may not be active at this stage. Therefore, this work aims to develop a label-free electrochemical DNA biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection using a printed circuit board-based gold substrate (PCBGE). The developed sensor used the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N) gene as a biomarker. The DNA sensor-based PCBGE was fabricated by self-assembling a thiolated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probe onto an Au surface, which performed as the working electrode (WE). The Au surface was then treated with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH) before detecting the target N gene to produce a well-oriented arrangement of the immobilized ssDNA chains. The successful fabrication of the biosensor was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The DNA biosensor performances were evaluated using a synthetic SARS-CoV-2 genome and 20 clinical RNA samples from healthy and infected individuals through EIS. The developed DNA biosensor can detect as low as 1 copy per μL of the N gene within 5 minutes with a LOD of 0.50 μM. Interestingly, the proposed DNA sensor could distinguish the expression of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 without any amplification technique. We believe that the proposed DNA sensor platform is a promising point-of-care (POC) device for COVID-19 viral infection since it offers a rapid detection time with a simple design and workflow detection system, as well as an affordable diagnostic assay.

Phase behaviour and adsorption of deoxyribonucleic acid onto an azobenzene liquid crystalline ligand at the interfaces

Azobenzene liquid crystalline (ALC) ligand contains a cholesteryl group linked to an azobenzene moiety through a carbonyl dioxy spacer (C7) and terminated with an amine group as a polar head. The phase behaviour of the C7 ALC ligand at the air-water (A-W) interface is investigated employing surface manometry. The surface pressure-area per molecule isotherm shows that C7 ALC ligand exhibit two different phases following the phase sequence viz., liquid expanded (LE₁ and LE₂) and then collapse to three-dimensional crystallites. Further, our investigations under different pH conditions and in the presence of DNA reveal the following. Compared to the bulk, the acid dissociation constant (pK_a) of an individual amine reduces to 5 at the interfaces. For pH (3.5) < pK_a, the protonation of amine groups of C7 ALC ligand facilitates the condensation of the film and enhances the stability. For pH values > pK_a, the phase behaviour of the ligand remains the same due to the partial dissociation of the amine groups. The presence of DNA in the sub-phase result in the expansion of isotherm to the higher area per molecule and the compressional modulus extracted reveals the phase sequence; liquid expanded, liquid condensed, followed by a collapse. Further, the kinetics of adsorption of DNA to the amine groups of the ligand is investigated, suggesting the interactions are influenced by surface pressure corresponding to different phases and pH of the sub-phase. Brewster angle microscope studies are carried out at different surface densities of the ligand as well as in the presence of DNA also supports this inference. Atomic force microscope is employed to acquire the surface topography and height profile of C7 ALC ligand (1 layer) after transferring on onto a silicon substrate using Langmuir Blodgett deposition. The difference in the surface topography and thickness of the film indicates the adsorption of DNA onto the amine groups of the ligand. The characteristic UV-visible absorption bands of the ligand films (10 layers) at the air-solid interface are tracked and the hypsochromic shift of these bands is also attributed to these DNA interactions.

Development of a New Route for the Immobilization of Unmodified Single-Stranded DNA on Chitosan Beads and Detection of Released Guanine after Hydrolysis

In this work, chitosan beads were used as a cost-effective platform for the covalent immobilization of unmodified single-stranded DNA, using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. The immobilized DNA capture probe was hybridized in the presence of miRNA-222 as a complementary sequence. The target was evaluated based on the electrochemical response of the released guanine, using hydrochloride acid as a hydrolysis agent. Differential pulse voltammetry technique and screen-printed electrodes modified with COOH-functionalized carbon black were used to monitor the released guanine response before and after hybridization. The functionalized carbon black provided an important signal amplification of guanine compared to the other studied nanomaterials. Under optimal conditions (6 M HCl at 65 °C for 90 min), an electrochemical-based label-free genosensor assay exhibited a linear range between 1 nM and 1 µM of miRNA-222, with a detection limit of 0.2 nM of miRNA-222. The developed sensor was successfully used to quantify miRNA-222 in a human serum sample.

A Magnetoelectrochemical Bioassay for Highly Sensitive Sensing of Point Mutations in Interleukin-6 Gene Using TMB as a Hybridization Intercalation Indicator

Point mutations are common in the human DNA genome and are closely related to higher susceptibility to cancer diseases. Therefore, suitable methods for their sensing are of general interest. In this work, we report on a magnetic electrochemical bioassay using DNA probes tethered to streptavidin magnetic beads (strep-MBs) to detect T > G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the inteleukin-6 (IL6) gene in human genomic DNA. In the presence of the target DNA fragment and tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), the electrochemical signal related to the oxidation of TMB is observed, which is much higher than the one obtained in the absence of the target. The key parameters affecting the analytical signal, such as the concentration of the biotinylated probe, its incubation time with strep-MBs, DNA hybridization time, and TMB loading, were optimized using the electrochemical signal intensity and signal-to-blank (S/B) ratio as selection criteria. Using spiked buffer solutions, the bioassay can detect the mutated allele in a wide range of concentrations (over six decades) with a low detection limit (7.3 fM). Furthermore, the bioassay displays a high specificity with high concentrations of the major allele (one mismatched), and two mismatched and non-complementary DNA. More importantly, the bioassay can detect the variation in scarcely diluted human DNA, collected from 23 donors, and can reliably distinguish between heterozygous (TG genotype) and homozygous (GG genotype) in respect to the control subjects (TT genotype), where the differences are statistically highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Thus, the bioassay is useful for cohort studies targeting one or more mutations in human DNA.

Recent Progress on Optical Biosensors Developed for Nucleic Acid Detection Related to Infectious Viral Diseases

Optical biosensors have many advantages over traditional analytical methods. They enable the identification of several biological and chemical compounds directly, instantly, and without the need of labels. Their benefits include excellent specificity, sensitivity, compact size, and low cost. In this review, the main focus is placed on the nucleic acid-based optical biosensor technologies, including colorimetric, fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), Evanescent-Wave Optical, Fiber optic and bioluminescent optical fibre. The fundamentals of each type of biosensor are briefly explained, and particular emphasis has been placed on the achievements which have been gained in the last decade on the field of diagnosis of infectious viral diseases. Concluding remarks concerning the perspectives of further developments are discussed.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensors based on zinc sulfide/graphene hybrid for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious and fatal disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In general, the diagnostic tests for COVID-19 are based on the detection of nucleic acid, antibodies, and protein. Among different analytes, the gold standard of the COVID-19 test is the viral nucleic acid detection performed by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method. However, the gold standard test is time-consuming and requires expensive instrumentation, as well as trained personnel. Herein, we report an ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor based on zinc sulfide/graphene (ZnS/graphene) nanocomposite for rapid and direct nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrated a simple one-step route for manufacturing ZnS/graphene by employing an ultrafast (90 s) microwave-based non-equilibrium heating approach. The biosensor assay involves the hybridization of target DNA or RNA samples with probes that are immersed into a redox active electrolyte, which are detectable by electrochemical measurements. In this study, we have performed the tests for synthetic DNA samples and, SARS-CoV-2 standard samples. Experimental results revealed that the proposed biosensor could detect low concentrations of all different SARS-CoV-2 samples, using such as S, ORF 1a, and ORF 1b gene sequences as targets. This microwave-synthesized ZnS/graphene-based biosensor could be reliably used as an on-site, real-time, and rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42114-023-00630-7.

Biofunctionalization of Multiplexed Silicon Photonic Biosensors

Silicon photonic (SiP) sensors offer a promising platform for robust and low-cost decentralized diagnostics due to their high scalability, low limit of detection, and ability to integrate multiple sensors for multiplexed analyte detection. Their CMOS-compatible fabrication enables chip-scale miniaturization, high scalability, and low-cost mass production. Sensitive, specific detection with silicon photonic sensors is afforded through biofunctionalization of the sensor surface; consequently, this functionalization chemistry is inextricably linked to sensor performance. In this review, we first highlight the biofunctionalization needs for SiP biosensors, including sensitivity, specificity, cost, shelf-stability, and replicability and establish a set of performance criteria. We then benchmark biofunctionalization strategies for SiP biosensors against these criteria, organizing the review around three key aspects: bioreceptor selection, immobilization strategies, and patterning techniques. First, we evaluate bioreceptors, including antibodies, aptamers, nucleic acid probes, molecularly imprinted polymers, peptides, glycans, and lectins. We then compare adsorption, bioaffinity, and covalent chemistries for immobilizing bioreceptors on SiP surfaces. Finally, we compare biopatterning techniques for spatially controlling and multiplexing the biofunctionalization of SiP sensors, including microcontact printing, pin- and pipette-based spotting, microfluidic patterning in channels, inkjet printing, and microfluidic probes.

Recent Developments in Electrochemical-Impedimetric Biosensors for Virus Detection

Viruses, including influenza viruses, MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus), SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), HAV (Hepatitis A virus), HBV (Hepatitis B virus), HCV (Hepatitis C virus), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), EBOV (Ebola virus), ZIKV (Zika virus), and most recently SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), are responsible for many diseases that result in hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly. The ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19 disease has raised a global concern and intensified research on the detection of viruses and virus-related diseases. Novel methods for the sensitive, rapid, and on-site detection of pathogens, such as the recent SARS-CoV-2, are critical for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases before they spread and affect human health worldwide. In this sense, electrochemical impedimetric biosensors could be applied for virus detection on a large scale. This review focuses on the recent developments in electrochemical-impedimetric biosensors for the detection of viruses.

Electrochemical DNA Biosensor Based on Immobilization of a Non-Modified ssDNA Using Phosphoramidate-Bonding Strategy and Pencil Graphite Electrode Modified with AuNPs/CB and Self-Assembled Cysteamine Monolayer

The present paper describes an alternative approach to the traditionally used covalent immobilization methods that require cost-intensive and complicated chemistry modification of a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) capture probe. The low-cost pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified with carbon black (CB) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was used as an electrochemical platform and the non-modified ssDNA was immobilized on a self-assembled cysteamine modified AuNPs/CB-PGE through a phosphoramidate bond between the 5'-terminal phosphate group of ssDNA and the primary amine group of cysteamine. The microRNA-21 was used as a target model in the fabrication of this electrochemical DNA biosensor and the hybridization process with the complementary probe was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry using methylene blue (MB) as an electrochemical hybridization indicator. The decreased reduction peak current of MB shows a good linear correlation with the increased concentration of microRNA-21 target sequences because the MB signal is determined by the amount of exposed guanine bases. The linear range of the fabricated DNA biosensor was from 1.0 × 10^-8 to 5.0 × 10^-7 M with a detection limit of 1.0 × 10^-9 M. These results show that the covalent immobilization of a non-modified ssDNA capture probe through a phosphoramidate-bonding strategy could serve as a cost-effective and versatile approach for the fabrication of DNA biosensors related to a wide range of applications that cover the fields of medical diagnostic and environmental monitoring. The fabricated electrochemical DNA biosensor was used to analyze microRNA-21 in a (spiked) human serum sample and it showed satisfactory and encouraging results as an electrochemical DNA biosensor platform.

Tellurium-Modified Nucleosides, Nucleotides, and Nucleic Acids with Potential Applications

Tellurium was successfully incorporated into proteins and applied to protein structure determination through X-ray crystallography. However, studies on tellurium modification of DNA and RNA are limited. This review highlights the recent development of Te-modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids, and summarizes the main synthetic approaches for the preparation of 5-PhTe, 2'-MeTe, and 2'-PhTe modifications. Those modifications are compatible with solid-phase synthesis and stable during Te-oligonucleotide purification. Moreover, the ideal electronic and atomic properties of tellurium for generating clear isomorphous signals give Te-modified DNA and RNA great potential applications in 3D crystal structure determination through X-ray diffraction. STM study also shows that Te-modified DNA has strong topographic and current peaks, which immediately suggests potential applications in nucleic acid direct imaging, nanomaterials, molecular electronics, and diagnostics. Theoretical studies indicate the potential application of Te-modified nucleosides in cancer therapy.

Cleaning of LTCC, PEN, and PCB Au electrodes towards reliable electrochemical measurements

Surface cleaning of the working electrode has a key role in improved electrochemical and physicochemical properties of the biosensors. Herein, chemical oxidation in piranha, chemical cleaning in potassium hydroxide-hydrogen peroxide, combined (electro-) chemical alkaline treatment, and potential cycling in sulfuric acid were applied to gold finish electrode surfaces deposited onto three different substrates; low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polyimide (PI), using three different deposition technologies; screen printing, inkjet printing, and electroplating (printed circuit board technology, PCB) accordingly. The effects of the (electro-) chemical treatments on the gold content and electrochemical responses of LTCC, PEN, and PCB applicable for aptamer-based sensors are discussed. In order to assess the gold surface and to compare the efficiency of the respective cleaning procedures; cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed. LTCC sensors electrochemically cycled in sulfuric acid resulted in the most gold content on the electrode surface, the lowest peak potential difference, and the highest charge transfer ability. While, for PEN, the highest elemental gold and the lowest peak-to-peak separation were achieved by a combined (electro-) chemical alkaline treatment. Gold content and electrochemical characteristics on the PCB surface with extremely thin gold layer could be slightly optimized with the chemical cleaning in KOH + H₂O₂. The proposed cleaning procedures might be generally applied to various kinds of Au electrodes fabricated with the same conditions comparable with those are introduced in this study.

Tuberculosis detection from raw sputum samples using Au-electroplated screen-printed electrodes as E-DNA sensor

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death globally, especially in underdeveloped nations. The main impediment to TB eradication is a lack of efficient diagnostic tools for disease diagnosis. In this work, label free and ultrasensitive electrochemical DNA biosensor for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been developed based on the electrodeposition of gold nanoparticles on the surface of carbon screen-printed carbon electrode (Zensors) for signal amplification. Particularly, screen-printed electrodes were modified by electrochemical deposition of Au to enhance the conductivity and facilitate the immobilization of ssDNA probes via Au-S bonds. The electrochemically modified SPEs were characterized using Scanning electron microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM/EDX) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques were used to investigate the DNA hybridization between single-stranded (ssDNA) probe and target DNA (tDNA). Under the ideal conditions, DPV exhibited a correlation coefficient R2 = 0.97, when analyzed with different tDNA concentrations. The proposed DNA biosensor exhibits a good detection range from 2 to 10 nm with a low detection limit of 1.91 nm, as well as high selectivity that, under ideal conditions, distinguishes non-complementary DNA from perfectly matched tDNA. By eliminating the need for DNA purification, this work paves the path for creating disposable biosensors capable of detecting DNA from raw sputum samples.

Electrochemical DNA sensors for drug determination

In this review, recent achievements in the development of the DNA biosensors developed for the drug determination have been presented with particular emphasis to the main principles of their assembling and signal measurement approaches. The design of the DNA sensors is considered with characterization of auxiliary components and their necessity for the biosensor operation. Carbon nanomaterials, metals and their complexes as well as electropolymerized polymers are briefly described in the assembly of DNA sensors. The performance of the DNA sensors is summarized within 2017-2022 for various drugs and factors influencing the sensitivity and selectivity of the response are discussed. Special attention is paid to the mechanism of the signal generation and possible drawbacks in the analysis of real samples.

Simple diagnosis of cancer by detecting CEA and CYFRA 21-1 in saliva using electronic sensors

One way of early diagnosis of cancer is by detecting the biomarkers that get introduced into easily accessible body fluids. We report the development of portable and rapid electronic biosensors for quantitative detection of two secretive cancer biomarkers-Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA 21-1). The reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/ melamine (MEL)/antibodies/ bovine serum albumin (BSA) based devices were tested for 1 pg/mL to 800 ng/mL of CEA and CYFRA 21-1. The responses of the sensors ranged from 7.14 to 59.1% and from 6.18 to 64% for 1 pg/mL to 800 ng/mL CEA and CYFRA 21-1 respectively. A read-out circuit was assembled to develop a portable prototype which was used to assess the concentrations of the two antigens present in saliva samples of 14 subjects. The prototype could accurately discriminate between 9 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and 5 healthy controls.

Fabrication of Silicon Nanowire Sensors for Highly Sensitive pH and DNA Hybridization Detection

A highly sensitive silicon nanowire (SiNW)-based sensor device was developed using electron beam lithography integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The top-down fabrication approach enables the rapid fabrication of device miniaturization with uniform and strictly controlled geometric and surface properties. This study demonstrates that SiNW devices are well-aligned with different widths and numbers for pH sensing. The device consists of a single nanowire with 60 nm width, exhibiting an ideal pH responsivity (18.26 × 10⁶ Ω/pH), with a good linear relation between the electrical response and a pH level range of 4–10. The optimized SiNW device is employed to detect specific single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) molecules. To use the sensing area, the sensor surface was chemically modified using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde, yielding covalently linked nanowire ssDNA adducts. Detection of hybridized DNA works by detecting the changes in the electrical current of the ssDNA-functionalized SiNW sensor, interacting with the targeted ssDNA in a label-free way. The developed biosensor shows selectivity for the complementary target ssDNA with linear detection ranging from 1.0 × 10⁻¹² M to 1.0 × 10⁻⁷ M and an attained detection limit of 4.131 × 10⁻¹³ M. This indicates that the use of SiNW devices is a promising approach for the applications of ion detection and biomolecules sensing and could serve as a novel biosensor for future biomedical diagnosis.

Fabrication of a label-free electrochemical aptasensor to detect cytochrome c in the early stage of cell apoptosis

A label-free direct electrochemical aptasensor is presented for the identification of cytochrome c (Cyt c) at the nM concentration level. Carbon nanofibers (CNF), as a highly conductive material, were used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and thus increase its conductivity. Moreover, to enhance the immobilization of aptamers (Apt) on the electrode surface, graphene oxide functionalized with aspartic acid (GOAsp) was added to the surface. Aspartic acid with countless carboxyl groups (-COOH) on its surface caused more aptamers to be immobilized on the electrode surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to monitor the step-by-step fabrication of the label-free direct electrochemical aptasensor. The label-free quantification of Cyt c was also done by the direct electron transfer between the Fe(III)/Fe(II)-heme redox-active sites which were selectively bound to the aptamers on the GCE and the surface of the electrode. Under optimum conditions, the peak currents of differential pulse voltammograms at 0.26 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) were used for calibration. The proposed aptasensor performs in a wide dynamic range from 10 nM to 100 µM with a low detection limit of 0.74 nM for cytochrome c. It also has high selectivity as well as acceptable stability. These advantages make the biosensor capable of detecting early-stage apoptotic cells that contribute to early cancer diagnosis.

Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensing Strategies for Food Allergen Detection

Food allergy has been indicated as the most frequent adverse reaction to food ingredients over the past few years. Since the only way to avoid the occurrence of allergic phenomena is to eliminate allergenic foods, it is essential to have complete and accurate information on the components of foodstuff. In this framework, it is mandatory and crucial to provide fast, cost-effective, affordable, and reliable analysis methods for the screening of specific allergen content in food products. This review reports the research advancements concerning food allergen detection, involving electrochemical biosensors. It focuses on the sensing strategies evidencing different types of recognition elements such as antibodies, nucleic acids, and cells, among others, the nanomaterial role, the several electrochemical techniques involved and last, but not least, the ad hoc electrodic surface modification approaches. Moreover, a selection of the most recent electrochemical sensors for allergen detection are reported and critically analyzed in terms of the sensors’ analytical performances. Finally, advantages, limitations, and potentialities for practical applications of electrochemical biosensors for allergens are discussed.

Utilizing Electrochemical-Based Sensing Approaches for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Clinical Samples: A Review

The development of precise and efficient diagnostic tools enables early treatment and proper isolation of infected individuals, hence limiting the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The standard diagnostic tests used by healthcare workers to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have some limitations, including longer detection time, the need for qualified individuals, and the use of sophisticated bench-top equipment, which limit their use for rapid SARS-CoV-2 assessment. Advances in sensor technology have renewed the interest in electrochemical biosensors miniaturization, which provide improved diagnostic qualities such as rapid response, simplicity of operation, portability, and readiness for on-site screening of infection. This review gives a condensed overview of the current electrochemical sensing platform strategies for SARS-CoV-2 detection in clinical samples. The fundamentals of fabricating electrochemical biosensors, such as the chosen electrode materials, electrochemical transducing techniques, and sensitive biorecognition molecules, are thoroughly discussed in this paper. Furthermore, we summarised electrochemical biosensors detection strategies and their analytical performance on diverse clinical samples, including saliva, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab. Finally, we address the employment of miniaturized electrochemical biosensors integrated with microfluidic technology in viral electrochemical biosensors, emphasizing its potential for on-site diagnostics applications.

Electrochemically Effective Surface Area of a Polyaniline Nanowire-Based Platinum Microelectrode and Development of an Electrochemical DNA Sensor

Electrochemical DNA sensors based on nanocomposite materials of polyaniline nanowires (PANi NWs) have been published in the literature. However, it is interesting that there are very few research studies related to the development of electrochemical DNA sensors based on PANi NWs individually. In this study, PANi NWs were synthesized site-specifically on a Pt microelectrode with only 0.785 mm2 area using an electropolymerization procedure. The electrosynthesis allows direct deposition of PANi NWs onto the Pt microelectrode in a rapid and cost-effective way. The good properties of PANi NWs including uniform size, uniform distribution throughout the Pt working electrode, and H2SO4 doping which improved the conductivity of the PANi material were obtained. Especially, the electrochemically effective surface area of the PANi NW-based Pt microelectrode determined in this work is nearly 19 times larger than that of the Pt working electrode. The PANi NW layer with large electrochemically effective surface area and high biocompatibility is consistent with the application in electrochemical DNA sensors. The fabricated DNA sensors show advantages such as simple fabrication, direct detection, high sensitivity (with the detection limit of 2.48 × 10−14 M), good specificity, and low sample volume requirement. This study also contributes to confirm the role of PANi NWs in DNA probe immobilization as well as in electrochemical signal transmission in the development of electrochemical DNA sensors.

Chimeric Peptide-Based Biomolecular Constructs for Versatile Nucleic Acid Biosensing

Nucleic acid biomarkers hold great potential as key indicators for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Herein we design and implement bifunctional chimeric biomolecules composed of a solid-binding peptide (SBP) domain that specifically adsorbs onto solid sensor surfaces and a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) moiety that facilitates anchoring of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) probes for the detection of nucleic acid targets. A gold-binding peptide, AuBP1, previously selected by directed evolution to specifically bind to gold, served as the basis for immobilizing nucleic acid probes onto gold substrates. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) analyses, we demonstrate the sequential biomolecular assembly of the heterofunctional solid-binding peptide-antisense oligomer (SBP-ASO) construct onto a sensor surface and the subsequent detection of DNA in an aqueous environment. The effect of steric hindrance on optimal probe assembly is observed, establishing that less packing density results in greater target capture efficacy. In addition, an adsorbed layer of chimeric solid-binding peptide-peptide nucleic acid (SBP-PNA) undergoes viscoelastic changes at the solid-liquid interface upon probe immobilization and DNA target capture, whereby the rigid biofunctional layer becomes more flexible. The dual nature of the chimeric construct is highly amenable to a variety of platforms allowing for both specific recognition and probe immobilization on the sensor surface, while the modular design of the solid-binding peptide-antisense oligonucleotide provides facile functionalization of a wide diversity of solid substrates.

A Dual-Modal Single-Antibody Plasmonic Spectro-Immunoassay for Detection of Small Molecules

Small molecules play a pivotal role in regulating physiological processes and serve as biomarkers to uncover pathological conditions and the effects of therapeutic treatments. However, it remains a significant challenge to detect small molecules given the size as compared to macromolecules. Recently, the newly emerging plasmonic immunoassays based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) offer great promise to deliver extraordinary sensitivity. Nevertheless, they are limited by the intrinsic SERS intensity fluctuations associated with the SERS uncertainty principle. The single transducer that relies on the intensity change is also prone to false signals. Additionally, the prevailing sandwich immunoassay format proves less effective towards detecting small molecules. To circumvent these critical issues, a dual-modal single-antibody approach that synergizes both the intensity and shift of the peak-based immunoassay with Raman enhancement, coined as the INSPIRE assay, is developed for small molecules detection. With two independent transduction mechanisms, it allows better prediction of analyte concentration and attenuation of signal artifacts, providing a new and robust strategy for molecular analysis. With a proof-of-concept demonstration for detection of free T4 and testosterone in serum matrix, the authors envision that the INSPIRE assay could be expanded for a wide spectrum of applications in biomedical diagnosis, discovery of new biopharmaceuticals, food safety, and environmental monitoring.